**Echo Show 5 vs. Echo Show 8: Which Smart Display Should You Pick?**
Whenever Amazon refreshes its gadgets, it generates excitement—but it can also be a bit daunting to determine which model suits your requirements best. With the launch of the 2023 editions of the Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8 (which include only slight enhancements from their 2021 versions), it’s a good time to assess how these two smart displays stack up against each other. Here’s an overview of their differences, similarities, and which might be the most appropriate for your needs.
—
### **Size: The Most Noticeable Difference**
The clearest variation between the Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8 is their dimensions. The Echo Show 5 sports a 5.5-inch screen with a petite 6-inch x 3-inch footprint, making it perfect for confined spaces like a desk or nightstand. On the other hand, the Echo Show 8 features an 8-inch screen along with an 8-inch x 4-inch footprint, positioning it as a better central hub for your home, particularly in the kitchen or dining area.
– **Echo Show 5:** Compact and ideal for private areas such as bedrooms or offices.
– **Echo Show 8:** Bigger and more suited for shared spaces, especially for video calls or as a family hub.
If you’re in the market for a larger smart display, consider the **Echo Show 10**, which delivers even more screen space and capabilities.
—
### **Camera and Video Calling: A Clear Champion**
Both devices have received camera enhancements when compared to their original versions, but the Echo Show 8 stands out in this category.
– **Echo Show 5:** Upgraded from a 1 MP to a 2 MP camera.
– **Echo Show 8:** Upgraded from a 1 MP to a 13 MP camera, a feature carried over into the 2023 model. It also comes with auto-framing, which pans and zooms to keep users centered during video calls.
The Echo Show 8’s superior camera and larger display make it the preferable option for video calls. It also allows for Zoom calls (though this feature may experience occasional glitches), providing an advantage for remote work setups.
—
### **Kid-Friendly Features**
Both displays can be configured as dedicated kid-friendly devices with enhanced parental controls. However, the **Echo Show 5 Kids** is tailored specifically for children. It is available in a playful **chameleon green** color, comes with a complimentary year of Amazon Kids (usually $5.99/month), and provides curated content such as books, games, and videos. It also offers advanced parental controls for extra reassurance.
—
### **Alexa Functionality: New Features for Intelligent Homes**
Both the Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8 include Alexa’s core features, but the latest models bring some thrilling upgrades:
1. **Home Monitoring:** Both devices offer remote camera access through the Alexa app, allowing you to check in on pets, babysitters, or your home while away.
2. **Motion-Enabled Routines:** Alexa has the capability to notice when you enter or exit a room and trigger routines like turning off lights or reading your calendar. Although this feature presents some privacy concerns, it creates exciting opportunities for smart home automation.
—
### **Design and Color Choices**
If design is important to you, the Echo Show 5 presents more colors. It is available in **glacier white**, **charcoal**, and **deep sea blue**, while the Echo Show 5 Kids comes in **chameleon green**. Conversely, the Echo Show 8 is restricted to **glacier white** and **charcoal**.
—
### **Which One Should You Select?**
For just $45 more, the **Echo Show 8** emerges as the undeniable favorite for most users. Its larger screen, 13 MP camera with auto-framing, and ability to (ideally) accommodate Zoom calls make it the preferable choice for video conferencing, family spaces, and work-from-home environments.
Nonetheless, the **Echo Show 5** remains a solid option for those desiring a smaller, budget-friendly device. It’s particularly suitable for private settings like bedrooms or offices and offers the same Alexa functionalities as the Echo Show 8, such as home monitoring and motion detection routines. If you’re shopping for kids, the **Echo Show 5 Kids** is the clear selection.
In the end, both devices are fantastic enhancements to a smart home, but the Echo Show 8 stands out as the more adaptable and feature-rich choice.